Gastrointestinal Interventions

Gastrointestinal Interventions in interventional radiology involve minimally invasive procedures to treat conditions like GI bleeding, obstructions, and tumor ablation. Using image-guided techniques such as stent placement, biopsy, and embolization, these treatments provide targeted solutions with quicker recovery times and minimal discomfort compared to traditional surgery.

Gastrointestinal (GI) interventions offer a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery, allowing patients to avoid larger incisions, longer recovery times, and increased risks. These procedures are performed using advanced imaging techniques (such as CT, MRI, or ultrasound) to guide precise treatment, reducing trauma to surrounding tissues. They are ideal for patients with GI bleeding, blockages, or tumors who may not be candidates for conventional surgery or need quick relief from urgent conditions.

  • Minimally Invasive: Procedures are performed with small incisions or no incisions, leading to less trauma for the patient.
  • Shorter Recovery Time: Patients typically recover much faster compared to traditional surgery, often being discharged the same day or within 24 hours.
  • Precise and Targeted: Image-guided techniques ensure accurate placement of stents, needles, and other instruments, reducing the risk of complications.
  • Effective for High-Risk Patients: Ideal for individuals who are not candidates for surgery due to age, other health conditions, or tumor location.
  • Less Pain and Discomfort: The use of local anesthesia or sedation minimizes pain and discomfort during and after the procedure.
  • Minimal Scarring: The need for large incisions is eliminated, resulting in little to no visible scarring.
  • Lower Risk of Infection: As the procedures are less invasive, there is a significantly lower risk of infection compared to traditional surgery.

Stent Placement

Used to relieve obstructions in the GI tract, such as those caused by cancer or strictures. A catheter is inserted through the skin or via the digestive tract, and a self-expanding metal stent is placed to keep the affected area open, allowing food, fluids, and waste to pass through normally.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) Tube Placement

For patients who cannot eat due to swallowing difficulties or GI dysfunction, a feeding tube is placed directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall, providing long-term nutritional support.

Gastrostomy or Biliary Drainage

Drainage procedures are used to remove blockages caused by tumors or bile duct obstructions. A catheter is placed to drain fluids from the stomach, bile ducts, or intestines, alleviating pain and preventing infection.

Biopsy

A needle biopsy is performed to remove small samples of tissue from a suspected tumor or abnormal area within the GI tract. These samples are analyzed to confirm a diagnosis, especially for cancers such as colorectal cancer or gastric tumors.

Embolization

In cases of GI bleeding or certain types of tumors, embolization involves injecting materials into blood vessels to block the supply of blood to a specific area, effectively stopping the bleeding or shrinking tumors.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Used for liver tumors or GI cancers, RFA uses heat to destroy tumor cells. A thin probe is inserted into the tumor under imaging guidance, delivering targeted energy to shrink or eradicate the cancerous tissue.

  • Patients with GI Obstructions
  • People with GI Bleeding
  • Patients with GI Cancer
  • Individuals with Swallowing Difficulties
  • Candidates for Minimally Invasive Procedures